Sign up for our newsletter.

Quality journalism. Progressive values. Direct to your inbox.

Follow us:

U.N. chief António Guterres

U.N. chief António Guterres pointed to ongoing conflicts, "global anxieties about nuclear weapons," growing inequalities, "horrific violations of human rights," and the climate crisis as leading reasons for worldwide alarm. (Photo: United Nations/Screenshot)

'Red Alert' for 2018: UN Chief Calls for Global Unity to Tackle Rising Threats and Ongoing Conflicts

António Guterres urges world leaders "to make this New Year's resolution: Narrow the gaps. Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals."

Common Dreams staff

In a video message delivered to the world to recognize the New Year, Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres issued a "red alert" for 2018.

"When I took office one year ago, I appealed for 2017 to be a year for peace," he said. "Unfortunately, in fundamental ways, the world has gone in reverse."

This time around, Guterres said he is "not issuing an appeal." Instead, he is "issuing an alert—a red alert for our world." The U.N. chief pointed to ongoing conflicts, "global anxieties about nuclear weapons," rising inequalities and xenophobia, "horrific violations of human rights," and the climate crisis as leading reasons for worldwide alarm.

Calling for global unity to address these issues, Guterres urged world leaders "to make this New Year's resolution: Narrow the gaps. Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals."

Watch:

Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
Comments

This is the world we live in. This is the world we cover.

Because of people like you, another world is possible. There are many battles to be won, but we will battle them together—all of us. Common Dreams is not your normal news site. We don't survive on clicks. We don't want advertising dollars. We want the world to be a better place. But we can't do it alone. It doesn't work that way. We need you. If you can help today—because every gift of every size matters—please do. Without Your Support We Simply Don't Exist.

Please select a donation method:

Credit Card
PayPal Logo Donate via Paypal

Latest News

See all
Steven Donziger, a human rights lawyer working of behalf of Ecuadorians harmed by over three decades of Texaco-Chevron's oil drilling and dumping of toxic wastewater in the Amazon rainforest, speaks at a press conference on March 19, 2014 in Quito. (Photo: Rodrigo Buendia/AFP via Getty Images)

Citing Donziger Case, Dems Raise Alarm About Use of Private Prosecutors in Federal Court

Private prosecutions of criminal contempt charges, said a pair of senators, "are highly unusual and can raise concerning questions of fundamental fairness in our criminal justice system."

Jessica Corbett ·

Former President Donald Trump walks at the White House

'About Damn Time': DOJ Says Treasury Department Must Give Trump's Tax Returns to Congress

"This case is now bigger even than Donald Trump's crimes. Neither the courts, nor the machinery of our government, exist to bodyguard a corrupt private citizen from transparency."

Jake Johnson ·

Then-President Donald Trump stands on the Truman Balcony after returning to the White House from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 5, 2020 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Win McNamee via Getty Images)

'Just Say That the Election Was Corrupt,' Trump Told DOJ in December

"It was a failed coup. Call it what it was. It didn't work! But they sure as hell tried."

Kenny Stancil ·

Amazon

Digital Rights Groups Hail Record €746 Million Amazon Data Privacy Fine

La Quadrature du Net, whose complaint led to the Luxembourg fine, called the penalty a "first step," but said that "we need to remain vigilant" in the face of Amazon's ongoing violations.

Brett Wilkins ·

protesters dressed as 'Greenwash Busters'

Science Museum Just Killed Its 'Own Reputation,' Says Greta Thunberg After Docs Reveal Gag Clause With Shell

"It essentially creates a 'chilling effect,' where museum staff must refrain from speaking openly about the reality of Shell's activities."

Andrea Germanos ·

Most Popular

 
  1. Planet's Vital Signs Are Reaching Dangerous 'Tipping Points' Amid Climate Crisis, Scientists Warn
  2. As Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal Reached, Sinema Comes Out Against $3.5 Trillion Package
  3. Progressives Threaten to Tank Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal If Their Demands Aren't Met
  4. Pelosi Under Fire for Parroting 'Right-Wing Lies' Against Student Loan Debt Cancellation
  5. Moving From Neglect to Dignity in the S.S.I. Program
  6. The Envy of Trump
  7. 'Turn This Destruction Around': 5 Months Left in 2021 But Humanity's Used Up Earth's Ecological Budget
  8. With New Guaranteed Income Bill, Omar Proposes Sending Most People in US $1,200 Per Month
  9. 'A Very Serious Threat': CDC Document Warns Delta Variant Is as Contagious as Chickenpox
  10. Hours After Pelosi Comments, Pressley Says Biden Clearly 'Has the Authority' to Cancel Student Debt